Each year Mental Health Association determines its legislative and advocacy priorities. These priorities are presented to legislators, policy makers and the general public at Mental Health Association's annual legislative briefing. The Government Affairs Committee of the Mental Health Association's Board of Directors tracks legislation pertinent to these priorities and other important mental health related issues throughout the year. During the legislative session, the Committee develops and disseminates legislative alerts on these issues to a legislative network of interested legislators, policy makers, advocates, professionals, consumers and the general public. In addition, Mental Health Association also coordinates advocacy efforts such as letter writing campaigns and rallies to support its priority issues.
View Recent Legislative Alerts
Legislative Priorities for 2008
Community Response to Critical Events
- Fund mental health services as part of region wide planning and community response to critical events.
Access To The Public Mental Health System
- National: Pass pending mental health parity legislation.
- State: Fund the Public Mental Health System to ensure access to appropriate mental health services for all consumers.
- County: Fund, as necessary, the Public Mental Health System to ensure access by all members of our diverse community to appropriate mental health services.
School-Based and Community-Based Mental Health Services For Children, Youth, And Families
- State: Maintain and expand the state budget initiatives that fund school-based mental health, violence prevention, and early childhood mental health services.
- County: Fund an array of school-based and community-based children's mental health services for prevention, early intervention, and treatment with an emphasis on early childhood and school age services including Linkages To Learning.
Mental Health And Juvenile Justice
- National: Restore funding to the juvenile justice budget.
- State: Monitor reforms to the juvenile justice system, including smaller facilities, increased mental health services, and education.
Affordable Alternative Housing Options For People With Mental Illness
- State: Expand affordable, suitable housing options and improve access for individuals with mental illness, particularly those who are homeless.
- County: Include men, women, and families with mental illness and disabilities in all affordable housing initiatives and ensure sufficient shelter services.
If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to govaffairs@mhamc.org